9 answers
Justin
Student
Paterson, New Jersey
1
Question
9 answers
Karenna Tirpak
2
Answers
Updated
Karenna’s Answer
Hi Justin!
Many factors apply to which college is best for you. Researching colleges that both contain your major of interest, as well as those that are highly accredited in your interest is important. Choosing a school that has little opportunity for your major might not help you achieve what you want. Finding a college that has the best resources for your interests will help you stay determined and passionate. It is also important to choose a school based on your financial standing. Private and highly accredited schools tend to be more expensive, but applying for scholarships, grants, aid, and FAFSA can help you achieve this if that is your wish. Ultimately, finding the school that fits your academic interest, financial requirements, and even one that is in your wished location will be important in keeping you motivated. For me, I knew I wanted to major in kinesiology, live somewhere different than where I grew up, and find scholarships to help afford school. From the schools I applied to, I attend the one that best fit these requirements. It definitely helped knowing some students from my high school, but they were never my close friends, and yet I got to know them and love them. I chose a school that has a great department for my major, as well as one that would provide me with new experiences to help me learn what I liked and disliked. Everything to help you decide on a school is at your fingertips, unique and personal to you. It doesn’t matter how impressive the school is because you may end up hating the pressure. But if that’s one of your passions, I say go for it! Visiting the campuses, if able, is a great way to get a feel for how your next years would be. Researching your major and course requirements at each school is also great, giving you a glimpse into how your academic demands will feel. Looking into clubs, programs, jobs, non-academic activities, and even the food around your school is super helpful as well. In the end, creating pro con lists will help you achieve your passions and keep you happiest during a academically demanding time.
Research
Pro con list
Visit
Reach out to faculty
Look into student life on and off campus
Many factors apply to which college is best for you. Researching colleges that both contain your major of interest, as well as those that are highly accredited in your interest is important. Choosing a school that has little opportunity for your major might not help you achieve what you want. Finding a college that has the best resources for your interests will help you stay determined and passionate. It is also important to choose a school based on your financial standing. Private and highly accredited schools tend to be more expensive, but applying for scholarships, grants, aid, and FAFSA can help you achieve this if that is your wish. Ultimately, finding the school that fits your academic interest, financial requirements, and even one that is in your wished location will be important in keeping you motivated. For me, I knew I wanted to major in kinesiology, live somewhere different than where I grew up, and find scholarships to help afford school. From the schools I applied to, I attend the one that best fit these requirements. It definitely helped knowing some students from my high school, but they were never my close friends, and yet I got to know them and love them. I chose a school that has a great department for my major, as well as one that would provide me with new experiences to help me learn what I liked and disliked. Everything to help you decide on a school is at your fingertips, unique and personal to you. It doesn’t matter how impressive the school is because you may end up hating the pressure. But if that’s one of your passions, I say go for it! Visiting the campuses, if able, is a great way to get a feel for how your next years would be. Researching your major and course requirements at each school is also great, giving you a glimpse into how your academic demands will feel. Looking into clubs, programs, jobs, non-academic activities, and even the food around your school is super helpful as well. In the end, creating pro con lists will help you achieve your passions and keep you happiest during a academically demanding time.
Karenna recommends the following next steps:
Kyle Feigenwinter
Network Security Engineer
3
Answers
Morristown, New Jersey
Updated
Kyle’s Answer
Hi Justin,
There are many things that you can consider when planning on choosing the college that is best for you. First and foremost, looking into the degree paths that interest you being provided at the school is important. You don't need to know exactly what you want to do, but have an idea of some things you would like to do!
I was told on a tour once that you can make a big school small, but you can't make a small school big. The size of the school definitely played a factor into my decision making for me and that quote was always on the forefront of my mind. I find that larger schools tend to have more resources in terms of research and facilities whereas smaller schools allow you to have a better working relationships with your professors and peers.
Location is always a key to consider. The United States and the rest of the world have schools in so many cool and interesting places. You could go far away or stay close to home! Know what feels right for you and if you're able to, tour the school! Get a feel of the campus and see what you do or don't like about it.
Good luck to you!
There are many things that you can consider when planning on choosing the college that is best for you. First and foremost, looking into the degree paths that interest you being provided at the school is important. You don't need to know exactly what you want to do, but have an idea of some things you would like to do!
I was told on a tour once that you can make a big school small, but you can't make a small school big. The size of the school definitely played a factor into my decision making for me and that quote was always on the forefront of my mind. I find that larger schools tend to have more resources in terms of research and facilities whereas smaller schools allow you to have a better working relationships with your professors and peers.
Location is always a key to consider. The United States and the rest of the world have schools in so many cool and interesting places. You could go far away or stay close to home! Know what feels right for you and if you're able to, tour the school! Get a feel of the campus and see what you do or don't like about it.
Good luck to you!
Chirayu Rupani
Data Analyst
295
Answers
Frisco, Texas
Updated
Chirayu’s Answer
There are many things a student needs to look at when trying to figure out what college to attend. Some of the main things to look at are geographic location, size of school, if the chosen field is offered at the college, where does it rank amongst other schools that offer it, is housing offered on campus, what are some financial benefits of attending, are scholarships offered. Take tours to colleges you have an interest so you get to see everything in person before making a decision. Reach out to students who attend those colleges and see if they can answer any questions you may have. Keep an open mind and explore all the opportunities, there are a ton of resources available from your high school counselor to teachers and students. Make a pro / con list for colleges that you have shortlisted. Compare the course each school provides, what students think of the school, where it ranks, does the area have a good job market, these are all things to keep in mind.
Eric Steinert
Teaching Assistant
2
Answers
Belmont, Massachusetts
Updated
Eric’s Answer
First of all, Great Question!
A good college to pick depends on what you want to accomplish while you're on campus. Instead of shooting for a college that fits you like a glove, find one that challenges you, and brings out the best version of you over those months and years. Remember you're there to grow and mature. Whether it's time management, studying, or just greater self-confidence, a good college pick will reinforce all those areas where you can benefit the most and continue to learn, after all none of us was the same at 18 as we were at 22.
A good college pick obviously prepares you for the road ahead. It shouldn't be four years in isolation but perhaps serve as the launchpad for the next step. Find a college that has a strong alumni career base. Look for lots of spring and summer opportunities to shadow alumni, ask lots of questions, and test out the waters. You will likely never have, in your life, people who will go to such lengths to be helpful and happy to answer all kinds of questions.
Finally, find a college where professors know your name. As well, hold these professors accountable by asking lots of questions. Make them clarify what you don't understand. That's their job, and you'd be shocked to learn how much they will appreciate having students who want more than the bare minimum. You'll earn a friend for life!
Work with your high school guidance department to gather a broad list you can use for research.
Ask lots of people in your life the same question, What makes a great college pick?
Arrange to Zoom with current college students your high school could put you in touch with (show questions to guidance)
A good college to pick depends on what you want to accomplish while you're on campus. Instead of shooting for a college that fits you like a glove, find one that challenges you, and brings out the best version of you over those months and years. Remember you're there to grow and mature. Whether it's time management, studying, or just greater self-confidence, a good college pick will reinforce all those areas where you can benefit the most and continue to learn, after all none of us was the same at 18 as we were at 22.
A good college pick obviously prepares you for the road ahead. It shouldn't be four years in isolation but perhaps serve as the launchpad for the next step. Find a college that has a strong alumni career base. Look for lots of spring and summer opportunities to shadow alumni, ask lots of questions, and test out the waters. You will likely never have, in your life, people who will go to such lengths to be helpful and happy to answer all kinds of questions.
Finally, find a college where professors know your name. As well, hold these professors accountable by asking lots of questions. Make them clarify what you don't understand. That's their job, and you'd be shocked to learn how much they will appreciate having students who want more than the bare minimum. You'll earn a friend for life!
Eric recommends the following next steps:
Shiri Fitzgerald
Analyst
13
Answers
Baltimore, Maryland
Updated
Shiri’s Answer
Hi Justin!
A good college is a subjective term. It all depends on what you want to do, what major you're looking for, and what type of campus life you want. Research into different schools, along with their prices, will make all the difference in picking a school that is good for you.
A good college is a subjective term. It all depends on what you want to do, what major you're looking for, and what type of campus life you want. Research into different schools, along with their prices, will make all the difference in picking a school that is good for you.
Alexa Dzubak
Dental assistant
75
Answers
Carmel, New York
Updated
Alexa’s Answer
Hi there
The first question you need to ask yourself is what career path you want to take. For example if you wanted to be a teacher you would look up colleges with great teaching programs. If you’re not sure at least know the university has a program or major(s) you are interested in.
Secondly: location
Do you want to go far from home? Stay local? Somewhere in between? Also do you want to be in the heat, cold? Make sure you visit colleges - some of the schools I looked at were great, but just not for me (too quiet, too country like). Also take in consideration the living situation, some dorms I saw were just too small for me, and personally I didn’t want community bathrooms and showers.
Third: Size! There is small, medium, huge schools. Where will you fit in the best? Where do you think you will perform the best academically?
College is a great opportunity, you have the chance to live the next four where/how you want. Make sure the school has something to offer YOU!
The first question you need to ask yourself is what career path you want to take. For example if you wanted to be a teacher you would look up colleges with great teaching programs. If you’re not sure at least know the university has a program or major(s) you are interested in.
Secondly: location
Do you want to go far from home? Stay local? Somewhere in between? Also do you want to be in the heat, cold? Make sure you visit colleges - some of the schools I looked at were great, but just not for me (too quiet, too country like). Also take in consideration the living situation, some dorms I saw were just too small for me, and personally I didn’t want community bathrooms and showers.
Third: Size! There is small, medium, huge schools. Where will you fit in the best? Where do you think you will perform the best academically?
College is a great opportunity, you have the chance to live the next four where/how you want. Make sure the school has something to offer YOU!
Frances Long
Network Engineer
13
Answers
Bedminster Township, New Jersey
Updated
Frances’s Answer
Hi Justin, The others have really given good advice to narrow down a school that is best for you and what you determine is a 'good' school for you. The great news is that you are in Paterson NJ. There are about twenty-five great 2-year and 4-year colleges and Universities that are very close to you in NJ. You can visit these schools to see which feels right for you. Just go to the admissions page on the college's website and schedule a tour. Whether the school feels right should be your final determination after you figure out what you may want to major in and whether you want a big or small college. If you are worried about affording a good school in NJ; check out resources online: NJ Promise or affordable NJ colleges. You can also speak to the financial aid department at the schools that interest you to find out what kind of assistance is available. There are so many great schools in NJ - ask questions, do not be shy. You will know the school that is best for you when you find it!
Research schools in your area with your program of study or program of interest
Schedule a tour
Ask yourself if the school is the right fit for you
Frances recommends the following next steps:
Victor Lau
Accountant
19
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Victor’s Answer
The one that makes the most financial sense. Going to the top college is good and all, but the college branding isn't going to make or break your career. Most successful people I knew went to community college for their first two years and transferred to a really good college (UCLA/UC Berkeley.)
Victoria LeCompte, CPA, CFE
Investigations and Forensics Senior Associate
10
Answers
Alexandria, Virginia
Updated
Victoria’s Answer
When picking a college, you may want to think about the following questions to help guide your decision!
-What do I want to study/what career path do I want to choose? Does this college/university have a program that aligns with my career interests?
-Do I want to choose a college that is close to home? Often this leads to reduced costs as a result of in-state tuition if you choose a public school.
-Is this college university small or large? Large universities often have a larger range of extra curricular opportunities (e.g. Greek life which can help with making new friends, study abroad opportunities, leadership opportunities that will look great on your resume, sports clubs).
-Where is this college/university located? Many colleges have career centers that will help students network and explore career opportunities when they are almost finished with their degree. Often times companies that recruit at particular schools are ones that are located in the same geographic region as the college (for example, if you went to school in Maryland, many companies will try to recruit students for full-time positions located in Washington, D.C. or Baltimore, MD).
Best of luck and hope this is helpful!
-What do I want to study/what career path do I want to choose? Does this college/university have a program that aligns with my career interests?
-Do I want to choose a college that is close to home? Often this leads to reduced costs as a result of in-state tuition if you choose a public school.
-Is this college university small or large? Large universities often have a larger range of extra curricular opportunities (e.g. Greek life which can help with making new friends, study abroad opportunities, leadership opportunities that will look great on your resume, sports clubs).
-Where is this college/university located? Many colleges have career centers that will help students network and explore career opportunities when they are almost finished with their degree. Often times companies that recruit at particular schools are ones that are located in the same geographic region as the college (for example, if you went to school in Maryland, many companies will try to recruit students for full-time positions located in Washington, D.C. or Baltimore, MD).
Best of luck and hope this is helpful!
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